Fleet Idling Reduction

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what

An idling reduction strategy works to eliminate vehicle and equipment emissions that get zero kilometres per litre.

An idling reduction strategy results in the elimination of unnecessary and wasteful idling of vehicles and equipment. It is an effective and publicly popular way to kick off reducing GHG emissions from your fleet. [1]

Local governments across BC have seen up to 10% reductions in fuel use, and significant financial savings, as the result of idling reduction strategies. [2] The City of Richmond[4] was one of these. Since beginning their idling reduction program in September 2004, the City has saved approximately $117,000 worth of fuel and reduced GHG emissions by approximately 220 tonnes.

An idling reduction strategy works to dispel any myths and change driving habits. The most important output of the strategy is an idling reduction policy. Idling awareness and training programs are also key elements to success. Incentive programs should be developed when necessary.

Idling Reduction Policy

Idling reduction policies mandate specific rules to minimize fuel wastage from idling. The policies should be consistent with awareness and training programs.[1]

Idle Free BC[5] is an excellent source of information on how to successfully reduce idling. The City of Dawson Creek and the City of Williams Lake[6] both developed idling reduction policies as a first step in reducing fleet GHG emissions. In Williams Lake, some vehicles saw fuel savings of 50% in the first year, despite a January temperature of -10ºC.

Idling Awareness Program

An idling awareness program communicates corporate idling policies and techniques. It explains the environmental and financial importance of eliminating idling as much as possible and the numerous benefits that come along with doing so.

An idling awareness program should be developed alongside an idling reduction strategy and idling reduction policies with the success of those items as a primary goal. It can include, but is not limited to:

[Use the tab above to learn HOW to reduce emissions with this tool.]

Idling reduction strategies are often a starting place for fleet GHG reduction strategies.

One of the most important things to remember when developing an idling reductions strategy is to account for local conditions. Factors that affect idling include:

Traffic

Temperature

Railway stops

You may find that drivers are protective of their right to idle in order to keep their cars or trucks warm. There are strategies and equipment that can be used to overcome this issue and every fleet strategy will deal with it differently. Idle Free BC[5] is a particularly strong resource when developing these strategies and can provide awareness, training, and communications materials.

The first step is to get a sense of how much idling occurs and determine conditions when it could be acceptable. During this process, identify the following:

When idling occurs.

Drivers, vehicles, and departments with more idling than “average”.

How much idling can be avoided.

The difference between avoidable and unavoidable idling.

In developing the strategy, seek commitment from senior managers to ensure that decision makers understand the importance of the strategy and follow through with it.

The remaining steps to developing and managing an idling reduction strategy include the following:

Idling reduction is often one of the first ways a local government fleet attempts to extend GHG reductions into the community. Remember to do so through awareness and understanding before bylaws in order to build buy-in rather than instigate frustration in the community.

Developing an Idling Awareness Program

As with other training and awareness programs, the costs and benefits of undertaking an idling awareness program need to be evaluated before proceeding. Idle Free BC[5] can provide effective communication tools to help you raise awareness among your employees.